International Bluegrass

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IB
International Bluegrass
Vol. 28, No. 5
May 2013
WIDE OPEN BLUEGRASS
FESTIVAL LINEUP
PETER ROWAN
interview
MAY
Membership Month
Backyard Bluegrass
International Bluegrass
International Bluegrass Music Assocation
Vol. 28 | No. 5 | May 2013
IBMA Staff
Nancy Cardwell
Executive Director
Jill Crabtree
Member / Convention Services Director
Taylor Coughlin
Publications Editor / Special Projects
Director
Katherine Coe
Administrative / Media Assistant
Cover story
3 | Wide Open Bluegrass 2013 Lineup
Features
5 | “Wanted Dead or Alive: Traditional Bluegrass
Music” Peter Rowan interview by Bill Conger
8 | Get IBMA Awesome: May is Membership Month
12 | Backyard Bluegrass Sessions Heat Up
NEWs
10 | IBMA Board Meeting Highlights: Spring 2013
11 | Raleigh Preview Weekend
13 | Nominations Open For Special Awards
14 | Sponsorship Webinar, May 16
Departments
9 | New IBMA Members
16 | Fresh Sounds
18 | Bluegrass Music Industry News
20 | Heard ‘Round the World
IB | International Bluegrass
Editor: Taylor Coughlin
taylor@ibma.org
Designer: Katherine Coe
katherine@ibma.org
INTERNATIONAL BLUEGRASS
(ISSN #1095-0605)
IBMA: Working together for high standards
of professionalism, a greater appreciation
for our music, and the success of the
worldwide bluegrass community.
The monthly emailed publication of the
International Bluegrass Music Association;
608 W. Iris Drive; Nashville, TN 37204;
USA; Phone: 615-256-3222,
888-GET-IBMA; FAX: 615-256-0450;
E-mail: nancyc@ibma.org;
Website: www.ibma.org
Statements of fact and opinion are made
on the responsibility of the writers alone
and do not imply an opinion on the part of
the officers, directors, staff or members of
IBMA. Portions of International Bluegrass
may be reprinted provided that explicit
citation of the source is made: “Reprinted
with permission from International
Bluegrass, the publication of the
International Bluegrass Music Association,
www.ibma.org.”
Initial Talent Lineup Announced for IBMA’s
WIDE
OPEN
BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL
Special collaboration between bluegrass titans
Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, Béla Fleck,
Alison Krauss, Del McCoury and Tony Rice,
in addition to Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers
Featuring Edie Brickell, and Punch Brothers,
are the first performers announced for the two-day Raleigh, NC festival;
tickets go on sale this month
The International Bluegrass Music Association
– IBMA – is pleased to make its first announcement of talent for the newly-named Wide Open
Bluegrass festival, to be held at the Raleigh,
NC Convention Center and Amphitheater on
September 27th and 28th.
The initial slate of artists scheduled to perform
at the Wide Open Bluegrass festival include a
special collaboration between bluegrass giants
Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, Béla Fleck,
Alison Krauss, Del McCoury and Tony Rice,
a performance from one of the most anticipated tours of the summer, Steve Martin and
the Steep Canyon Rangers Featuring Edie
Brickell and the acclaimed Punch Brothers,
with their first appearance at the IBMA festival.
Tickets for the Wide Open Bluegrass festival
will go on sale May 15 for IBMA members and
May 29 for the general public. Bluegrass fans
can join IBMA in order to take advantage of
early ticket availability and member discount
rates, by calling 1-888-GET-IBMA or going to
www.ibma.org.
Serving as onstage “mistress of ceremonies”
for the Wide Open Bluegrass festival is
celebrated banjo player/songwriter Abigail
Washburn.
Additional ticket information for the Wide
Open Bluegrass festival – as well as the full
slate of performers - will be announced in the
coming weeks.
The two-day festival is part of IBMA’s annual
World of Bluegrass event: bluegrass music’s
annual industry gathering and family reunion.
Held for the first time in Raleigh, North Carolina, World of Bluegrass runs from September 24-28. The International Bluegrass Music
Association – IBMA – is the professional
trade organization for the global bluegrass
music community.
International Bluegrass 3
Friday night’s performance from artists Sam
Bush, Jerry Douglas, Béla Fleck, Alison
Krauss, Del McCoury and Tony Rice offers a
unique reunion of recipients of IBMA’s inaugural International Bluegrass Music Awards,
presented in 1990—a group of artists whose
names are synonymous not just with the best
in today’s bluegrass, but with the most
memorable acoustic music of any kind.
Rooted in tradition yet with distinctive,
forward-looking visions that have propelled
bluegrass music into the 21st century and
brought its sounds and influences around the
world, these are true masters who are
equally at ease in bringing audiences to the
edges of their seats with finely-wrought
intimacy, and to their feet with bold instrumental virtuosity and signature vocals. Individually, they have been among the genre’s
most important role models and musical
mentors for the current generation of bluegrass musicians. Though they’re friends and
colleagues of long standing, this appearance
marks their first time together on stage in
more than 20 years. Mark Schatz, Bass
Player of the Year in 1994-1995, will be
standing in for the late Roy Huskey, Jr., who
took top IBMA honors on Bass from 1990-93.
Audiences are already familiar with the
award-winning
combination
of
actor/musician Steve Martin and the
Grammy-winning bluegrass band Steep
Canyon Rangers; the addition of artist Edie
Brickell to their spring/summer tour – which
will take them from Town Hall in NYC to the
LA’s Hollywood Bowl - has made them on of
the most talked-about tours of the year. The
Washington Post has nothing but praise for
Martin and Brickell’s new Rounder album,
“Love Has Come For You, ” declaring that
“Mixing the traditional with the modern, Brickell and Martin find a comfortable groove on
what may seem like an unlikely collaboration
but that turns out to be a perfect fit.”
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International Bluegrass
Saturday night’s Punch Brothers, led by
widely acknowledged mandolin genius Chris
Thile, have earned acclaim by blending the
traditional interplay of bluegrass instruments
with the complexity of chamber music—and a
healthy dose of contemporary indie sensibility.
“With a new host city on the horizon for our
annual World of Bluegrass gathering, it was
the perfect time for IBMA to assemble a spectacular, one-of-a-kind artistic lineup to
celebrate the move,” said IBMA Executive
Director, Nancy Cardwell.
IBMA’s World of Bluegrass 2013 will take
place at the Raleigh Convention Center, the
Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts,
and the Red Hat Amphitheater—all within
easy walking distance of each other. Evening
showcases will take place at the Raleigh
Convention Center and at various venues in
town.
For more details and to purchase
tickets/register for World of Bluegrass 2013,
IBMA Awards, “Wide Open Bluegrass” weekend festival and showcase passes, visit
www.worldofbluegrass.org or call 1-888GET-IBMA.
Follow IBMA’s World of Bluegrass news at
f and on t (@intlbluegrass,
#ibma, #wob2013, #bluegrassnation and
#bluegrass).
For more info, contact:
Judy McDonough, McDonough Media
615-243-5994,
mcdonoughmedia1@yahoo.com
Taylor Coughlin, IBMA
615-256-3222
taylor@ibma.org
Wanted Dead or Alive:
Traditional Bluegrass Music
Peter Rowan, Bobby Osborne, and others talk old school and the new school.
Click here to listen to “That’s All She Wrote”
By Bill Conger
Is traditional bluegrass music going the way
of the dinosaur? With many founding fathers
of the music now deceased, some aficionados of the genre fear that the music the original class of true bluegrass created will pass
away too.
"I think traditional bluegrass is becoming
extinct for the younger generation of players
and possibly the fans within their generation,"
said IBMA Hall of Fame member Bobby
Osborne.
In fact, he foresees traditional bluegrass
snuffed out by the next century with no audience to support it. However, another member
of the older generation of bluegrass holds a
more optimistic outlook.
"Bluegrass will survive," said Peter Rowan,
who in his 20s was one of Bill Monroe's bluegrass boys. "I know that there is this fear that
everything will all be lost somehow. It's part of
my music crusade to keep it alive."
As part of Rowan's campaign to preserve
traditional bluegrass music, he recorded The
Old School (Compass Records), produced
by Alison Brown, with an intergenerational
mix of musicians.
"I came up through the old school, where
you were tested, literally, on the bandstand,"
Rowan recalls. "You didn't go to college and
study the guitar or fiddle, like people do
nowadays. You learned by jumping into a
jam session where you were expected to
hold a part."
On the album he featured some of the early
teachers of bluegrass like Osborne on the
duet "Stealing My Time," Del McCoury on
"That's All She Wrote" and Jesse McReynolds' mandolin playing on "Mountain Man's
Dreams." Rowan also welcomed to the
studio younger players who are seen as the
future torchbearers of bluegrass. Michael
Cleveland, Bryan Sutton, Jeremy Garrett
(Infamous Stringdusters), the Traveling
McCoury's, Don Rigsby, Chris Henry and
members of Rowan's band among others
added their talented touch to the project.
Rowan's approach to keeping traditional
bluegrass alive is through Monroe-inspired
International Bluegrass 5
new material as the singer/songwriter demonstrated with 11 of his originals on this album.
"I don't want it to sound like the old material, but I
want it to have that same kind of spontaneity and
freshness. I like to find out what makes bluegrass, bluegrass, and then explore those aspects
rather than trying to keep everything sounding
like what people imagine bluegrass to sound
like."
Part of the disagreement over traditional bluegrass music's future survival begins with differing
views on how it is defined.
"I can't really define it, and I really wouldn't want
to," Rowan said. "It's just when you listen to
music with somebody or you witness a vibe, a
feeling, where two people kind of look at each
other and say uh-huh, that feels cool right there."
"Bluegrass, as I know it today," explains
Osborne, "became the only way when Earl
Scruggs stepped on the stage of the Grand Ole
Opry on the night of December 8, 1945, and
changed the world of bluegrass with the 5-string
banjo."
"One of the things that characterizes the old
school musician is their way of recording," said
Don Rigsby, a 4th generation bluegrass musician. "It's not so much slick and polish, and every
note and meter doesn't have to be spot on. They
go more for feel."
Many contemporary musicians give a reverential
nod to the music's early creators but say they
don't want to imitate the pioneers. Instead, they
have developed a new style that they believe
pays respect to the past with an infusion of other
genre influences.
"The younger generation of players are exposed
to so many different things that the older generation couldn't be just because of television and
radio and Internet," Rigsby said. "They'll hear a
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International Bluegrass
little bit of something they like from Lester
and Earl, and they'll put it with something
Chris Thile is doing, and he'll take it from
some rock and roll or pop singer. It's all
cool, but it's not strictly defined like the
old generation of music was."
Although Rigsby, 45, likes the new ideas,
he would like to see the young guns of
music dig deep into the past as he did
with his new tribute album to Ralph Stanley, Doctor's Orders.
"I've taught a lot of kids over the years,
and I always tell them you've learned
your bluegrass from 1990 forward,"
Rigsby said. "You're missing a whole lot
when you do that."
"They'll study Sam Bush and Tony Rice
instead of studying who Sam Bush and
Tony Rice studied," adds Henry, who also
leads his own band, Hardcore Grass.
"They're missing a big part of the foundation that made their heroes so great."
"It's just when you listen
to music with somebody
or you witness a vibe, a
feeling, where two people
kind of look at each other
and say uh-huh, that feels
cool right there."
Henry says many of today's players are more
focused on hotdogging.
"I'll be in a jam session, and I'll be playing in
the old school way, which is melody based,”
Henry explained, "Then, I'll be like, let me
play the trashiest, nastiest lick I can think of,
and the people around me will go ‘Yeah! Son!’
If that's the context the newer types are
coming up in, then they're going to build their
style on what's feeding these kinds of
responses from their peers. It's basically a
style out of a gratuitous hot lick instead of
digging deeper into the music and really
using the melody to make the statement.
That's been lost with a lot of the younger
cats."
"I know young people who really love the old
stuff, but for the most part they're all trying to
learn bigger and better and faster," adds
Rigsby. "They somehow got in their minds
that playing fast and hard and loud is drive,
and it's not." Traditional bluegrass still has an
audience today, a fact that was emphasized
for Rowan when he was performing Monroe
tribute shows.
"The audience reaction is absolutely blowing
the roof off the whole thing," Rowan said. "It's
as if people still want to hear that kind of
music, but they never get to hear it. When we
do ‘Somebody Touched Me’ or ‘On the Rock
Where Moses Stood,’ really old bluegrass
stuff, that's the best response."
"I play shows consistently with my band the
Stringdusters for 1,000 plus people," Garrett
said. "We always play at least one to two
traditional numbers during the night. The
people go absolutely bonkers for that stuff!"
He doesn't think traditional bluegrass will
become extinct, but he says bluegrass music
could be in danger if newer audiences and
bands aren't embraced.
The raw, pure spirit of
bluegrass continues to be
transformed as it passes
into new hands, but many
believe the fundamental
core remains intact.
"The fact is that the average bluegrass audience is getting older and shrinking year after
year," Garrett states. "There are vast opportunities that are outside the bluegrass genre
and community for younger artists. If the
community embraces some of them a little
more, I think it could expand the audience,
which would, in turn, make a much bigger
pool of an audience for everyone."
The raw, pure spirit of bluegrass continues to
be transformed as it passes into new hands,
but many believe the fundamental core
remains intact.
"The fact that if it evolves doesn't mean that it
stays evolved," Rowan said. "Nothing is permanent, so we can always return to the roots.
The leaves are growing healthfully, but the
roots have to be refreshed."
"The thing about art is that if it doesn't evolve
somewhat," Garrett said, "then it becomes
stagnant and must be preserved to survive,
rather than thrive.”
International Bluegrass 7
IBMA
MEMBERSHIP MONTH
Get IBMA Awesome: May is Membership Month!
It’s an exciting time in bluegrass, and what
better way to foster its success than by supporting the International Bluegrass Music
Association in its efforts to keep that success
growing?
May is Membership Month at IBMA, and
there’s no better time to join. You’ll be just in
time for first round ballots for the 2013 IBMA
Awards and for a members-only ticket
purchase week this spring for IBMA’s “Wide
Open Bluegrass” festival (formerly Bluegrass
Fan Fest) in Raleigh, NC, Friday-Saturday,
Sept. 27-28.
We’re offering new membership opportunities:
A free one-year membership for students
enrolled in a higher education bluegrass
program, and the new Friends non-voting
membership for $25 a year. Get more details
by calling the IBMA office at 615-256-3222.
What’s new?
Check out www.worldofbluegrass.org and
ibma.org for news about the incredible week
we’re planning for you in Raleigh, NCincluding a streamlined schedule (less expensive, shorter week) with new events for youth,
arts presenters, talent buyers, and emerging
bands.
The IBMA Youth Council has elected Andrew
Rigney as Chair and they have new projects to
be announced soon.
IBMA’s new Momentum Awards, with a committee headed up by Dan Keen (Belmont Univ.)
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International Bluegrass
and Echo Propp (WAMU/ Nashville Opera), will
continue in 2013, with the goal of recognizing
notable emerging talent and industry mentors.
The World of Bluegrass Street Team, led by
Danny Clark and Katherine Coe, will kick into
gear this month, right in time for festival season.
IBMA continues to expand our social networking
community with Bluegrass Nation, Facebook,
Twitter, Spotify, YouTube and Instagram.
Finally, look for info soon about a newly constituted International Committee and International
Advisory Council.
How do you get involved?
Artists and merchandisers who have booths at
festivals and other events can contact IBMA to
get some “Ask Me About IBMA” and “Bluegrass
Nation” stickers, along with small cardstock
membership fliers to place on your merch table.
Feel free to go to www.ibma.org to click on a link
to print off your own membership brochures.
We’ll also have downloadable ads and a special
Facebook icon you’ll easily be able to share.
Artists and industry leaders are encouraged
to record 30- and 60-second audio clips that say
what you find valuable and important about
belonging to IBMA. Please email those to
danny.clark.bluegrass@gmail.com. If you need
help making one, let us know. We’re also asking
for short (funny or serious) video clips from
members with similar messages—why you’re an
IBMA member, and also telling viewers that
you’ll see them at World of Bluegrass Sept.
24-28, in Raleigh. Video clips may be posted to
IBMA’s YouTube Channel or Facebook page,
BluegrassNation.org,
or
emailed
to
katherine@ibma.org. Here’s a great example of a
video we’ve already received from the Steep
Canyon Rangers.
Radio broadcasters can keep an eye (or ear) for
IBMA membership public service announcements to be posted on AirPlay Direct in May as
we get them from artists.
Association leaders and event producers,
and bands can encourage your members,
attendees and fans to call 1-888-GET-IBMA or go
to www.ibma.org to join IBMA. Websites, liner
notes, onstage emcee announcements and
Facebook are all great places to help us get the
word out.
Bloggers, journalists, educators, publicists,
songwriters, luthiers and fans, please mention
IBMA where you can, and help support the trade
association of your friends and peers who are
working to keep bluegrass music growing strong.
New Members
John Avery
Larry Bowers
Brice Russell
Gene Brown
Sam Buckmaster
Mary Ann Burggraf
Harold Cameron
Johnny Campbell
Debra Campbell
Charles Earhart
Michael Evans
Ken Faircloth
Flatwater Studio
Sophie Galep
Melissa Holland
Dominic Illingworth
Jan Johansson
Sherry Ann Johnson
Robert Jones
Thomm Jutz
Donna King
Gene Knight
James Kornegay
John Laird
R.T. Lassiter
Rebecca Levy
Brenda Matthews
Ron McFarlane
Nancy McFarlane
Milan Miller
Charles Milliron
Doug Montgomery
Shawn Porter
Maxwell Raybon
Michael Raybon
Melanie Raybon
Jenny Raybon
Joshua Richards
Buddy Robertson
Charli Robertson Harrigill
Craig Rowley
Robert Sar
Jennie Smythe
Nathan Stanley
Michael Stockton
Texas BluegrassMusic Association
Paul Trenwith
Mechelle Vickers
Warren Vickers
Zackary Vickers
Johnnie Vickers
Christopher Wade
John White
Dave Wilson
Everyone mention IBMA membership and tweet
(#ibmamember,
#ibmamembershipmonth,
#bluegrassnation) in May, to help us network
around the globe and get the message out.
Got a better idea? Let us know what you’re
doing so we can share it with the rest of the membership!
(Email all ideas to dworden@roadrunner.com or
nancyc@ibma.org) We know you’re a creative
thinking bunch of folks!
Flatt Lonesome joins IBMA
International Bluegrass 9
IBMA Board Meeting Highlights
Spring 2013
The IBMA Board of Directors met April 12-14 in Raleigh, N.C. to consider a variety of business
matters and to hear key committee reports. An executive session to develop a strategic plan for
the next three years was facilitated by Fred Bartenstein.
Reports from IBMA committees were approved, including a report from the Membership Committee on May as IBMA Membership Month and a report from the Marketing Committee, with
info on recent progress with Bluegrass Nation. The board voted to change the way IBMA Special Awards are currently chosen. Small committees will chose five final nominees (up from
three per award in the past), and then the final vote will be determined by the IBMA Panel of
Electors, a group of over 200 professional members with more than 10 years of experience in
the bluegrass music industry who also vote on inductees into the Bluegrass Hall of Fame.
A motion to add commercially released tracks to the IBMA Awards Eligibility List (posted online
at ibma.org in time for the first ballot) was passed.
New board member Elizabeth Wightman and new IBMA staff member Taylor Coughlin were
welcomed.
The World of Bluegrass program and rate schedules were reviewed, along with a list of confirmed artists who will perform at Wide Open Bluegrass in Raleigh Sept. 27-28, and a report
was presented on new plans for showcasing (see article elsewhere in this publication). A Tuesday evening keynote meal was added to the IBMA Business Conference schedule.
A number of edits to the IBMA Bylaws were suggested, and will be voted on at the board’s next
video-conference meeting in July. A proposal to require two signatures on all checks from IBMA
written for $5000 or more was passed. A budget for 2013-2014 was presented and approved.
A report of the 2012-2013 budget will be published after the end of IBMA’s fiscal year, June 31,
2013. The auditor’s report on IBMA finances 2011-2012 was presented to the board and
accepted. Any IBMA member may request a copy of the auditor’s report
Chris Stuart and Jon Weisberger were appointed as co-producers of the 2013 International
Bluegrass Music Awards.
During a three-day strategic planning session, the IBMA Board adopted the following goals for
the next three years: 1) Enhance and diversify revenues, 2) Solidify financial and operational
management, 3) Increase and add value to IBMA membership, and 4) Strengthen marketing
and brand awareness for bluegrass music and IBMA. Specific action plans for each goal are
being edited and prioritized, and will be formally adopted by the board at their next meeting.
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International Bluegrass
Raleigh Preview Weekend
April 13, 2013
If the authentic North Carolinian barbecue and pickin’ party on April 13 in Raleigh, NC was any forecast
for the World of Bluegrass in September, we are all in for a mighty fine time.
IBMA members were welcomed to Raleigh to tour the facilities on April 13 for this year’s World of Bluegrass Festival in downtown Raleigh, and everyone was invited to the Red Hat Amphitheater Saturday
night. Of course, people picked and jammed into the night with their bellies full of BBQ, local craft beer,
and sweet treats.
The preview weekend was also the board’s spring meeting, of which you can find highlights of on page
10.
The people of Raleigh are rolling out the BLUE carpet for us, and we were all made to be more excited
than we were before. Pictures by IBMA’s Katherine Coe.
International Bluegrass 11
Backyard Bluegrass Sessions Heat
Up
Bluegrass Nation’s Backyard Bluegrass Sessions beefed up their catalog with some stellar performers
in April. Keep your eyes on BluegrassNation.org for the latest Backyard Bluegrass Sessions.
The Tina Adair Band – Tina Adair plays a fiery mandolin along with her powerful voice, and is backed
up by some of the toughest instrumentalists in the biz. Her song “Now Forever’s Gone” is a spitfire.
Kayla Hotte – Kayla is a singer-songwriter from Alberta, Canada and heads up Kayla Hotte & Her
Rodeo Pals. “Poor Mary Johnson” is a murder ballad written by Hotte.
Della Mae – This group of dazzling young women are nothing short of show-stopping. Their smart
harmonies, instrumentals, and stage presence mean business. “Turtle Dove” is off their new album This
World Oft Can Be out May 28.
Peter Rowan – Peter is a revered musician in more than just bluegrass, having begun his tenure under
Bill Monroe and explored many genres since. In Rowan’s newest project, The Old School, traditional
bluegrass is the name of the game.
Flatt Lonesome – They may look young, but don’t let their youthful nature fool you. Their fresh harmonies, authentic arrangements, and dynamic individual talents make them one outstanding group. “Just
Any Moment” won 3rd place in Chris Austin’s Songwriting Contest at MerleFest, written by mandolinist
Kelsi Harrigill.
If you’re passing through Nashville and want to be featured in a Backyard Bluegrass Session, we’d love
to have you! Email Taylor at taylor@ibma.org to set up a time.
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International Bluegrass
Nominations Open For Special Awards
Deadline : June 14
Nominations are currently being accepted from IBMA members for the following awards, to be
presented during World of Bluegrass Week on Sept. 26 in Raleigh, North Carolina: Bluegrass Broadcaster of the Year, Print Media Person of the Year, Best Graphic Design for a Recorded Project,
Best Liner Notes for a Recorded Project, Bluegrass Event of the Year and Bluegrass Songwriter
of the Year.
The eligibility period for special awards is April 1, 2012 – March 31, 2013. Broadcasting and print media
accomplishments during this time frame should be considered by those writing letters of nomination.
Bluegrass events nominated need to have taken place during this time frame, and writers/designers
nominated for the Liner Notes and Graphic Design awards should have their work included on CDs
released for the first time commercially during the eligibility period. The Bluegrass Songwriter of the
Year Award recognizes contributions to bluegrass songwriting during the eligibility period.
IIBMA members or individuals involved with an album being considered may send a letter of nomination. You are welcome to nominate yourself. To make a nomination, please send the following items:
Broadcaster & Print Media: Send a letter of nomination stating why you believe the person is deserving of the award during the current eligibility period. A CD or DVD sample of the broadcaster's work is
appreciated (with music edited out of radio shows). Links to a writer's articles online, photocopies of
articles or copies of books are helpful for the latter award. Six (6) copies of all materials are
appreciated—particularly if it’s something that cannot be photocopied easily.
Bluegrass Event: Send a letter of nomination stating why you believe the event is deserving of the
award during the current eligibility period. Event programs, links to websites, photos & videos are helpful.
Liner Notes & Graphic Design: Please send SIX (6) COPIES of each nominated CD and include a
note saying which award is to be considered (or if it's both).
Bluegrass Songwriter of the Year: Any IBMA member, songwriter or publisher may recommend themselves or another writer. A letter listing the achievements of the candidate during the eligibility year is
requested. The letter may be accompanied by a compilation CD of songs from the writer that year, but
sending a CD is not required. Following are examples of items to be included in a nomination letter:
- Songs released as singles, on CDs, or as digital downloads during eligibility period
- Songs achieving chart success (sales, radio airplay, etc.)
- Significant airplay on terrestrial or satellite radio
- Songs used in television or films
- Songs used in live performances
- Professional involvement in songwriter-related work like workshops, books and articles.
Recommendation letters and submissions for all IBMA Special Awards should be submitted by June 14
to: Special Awards committee, 608 Iris Drive, Nashville, TN 37204 or by email at taylor@ibma.org. For
more info on IBMA Special Awards, please call 615-256-3222. Five nominees per award will be determined by small committees of individuals with expertise in the various areas represented. The final
recipients will be determined by a larger panel of electors, drawn from the professional membership of
IBMA.
International Bluegrass 13
Sponsorship Webinar, May 16
with Al McCree, Atticus Brand Partners
Ever wondered how to nab a great sponsorship? We are proud to announce the next webinar in our
series, presented this month by Al McCree on doing just that. The webinar will take place Thursday,
May 16 at 6:00pm and will last until 7:15pm.
The webinar will cover the following topics such as:
What sponsors look for
What artists should look for
Types of sponsorships
The sponsor brokerage model
Sponsorship vs. Patronage
Crowd sourcing
Building your audience to gain sponsorship
How to get sponsors
Servicing the sponsors
Al McCree is an entertainment entrepreneur. He owns and operates Al McCree Entertainment, a
concert promotion company and Musical Concepts Inc, a digital distribution company. He is also
an associate with Atticus Brand Partners, a Nashville based brand services company that matches
national brands with artists, venues and festivals.
To register, call Taylor at 615-256-3222. IBMA webinars are $20 for members and $40 for nonmembers.
IBMA’s “Bluegrass Ramble”
a weeklong World of Bluegrass showcase experience Sept. 24-28
Most things in life are improved with a theme song—including our slate of artist showcases planned for
World of Bluegrass in Raleigh, NC Sept. 24-28. IBMA’s “Bluegrass Ramble” Showcases will take place
from 6 p.m.-2 a.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 24-25 on seven stages, and on six stages from
10 p.m.-2 a.m. Thursday – Saturday, Sept. 26-28.
But first—before reading any more or clicking on venue links below for photos, crank up our theme song
on
YouTube,
performed
by
Bill
Monroe
and
his
Blue
Grass
Boys:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqPuQTKDPwU.
Conference attendees will be rambling around Raleigh all week, listening to 30 official showcase bands
and a number of co-sponsor presented bands. Official IBMA showcase bands will perform two or three
times during the week---on stages at the convention center and town venues, at the Wide Open Bluegrass Street Fair Fri-Sat, Sept. 27-28, and also for local schools and university classes.
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International Bluegrass
“In recent years privately hosted showcases
during World of Bluegrass week have become so
popular that they have conflicted with our official
showcase schedule,” IBMA Executive Director
Nancy Cardwell said. “Rather than compete with
our own members, we’ve decided to join forces
this year, presenting official showcase bands
several times during the week and also making
room for co-sponsor hosted bands in line-ups.
World of Bluegrass will be a week-long live bluegrass experience, with lots of bands playing
every night. If you miss a showcase band on
Tuesday night, there’s a good chance you’ll be
able to catch them on Wednesday or later in the
week. In addition to conference attendees, we
expect a lot of local interest in showcase
wristbands—for bluegrass fans in the Raleigh
area who work until 5 p.m. and want to come out
in the evenings to hear some great bluegrass
music.”
Admission to showcases in the Raleigh Convention Center is with an IBMA Business Conference
registration for the day. Admission to evening
showcases at the venues listed below will be with
1) an IBMA Business Conference name badge
and photo ID Tue-Thur or a Wide Open Bluegrass
festival wrist band on Fri-Sat, 2) a Bluegrass
Ramble Showcase wristband Tue – Sat
(available for $100/members and $150/nonmembers), or 3) $10 at the door for each venue,
per night. After the expenses are covered for the
night, door proceeds at each venue will be split
Tuesday and Wednesday by thirds between
IBMA, official showcase bands, and co-sponsors
for their bands.
On Thur-Sat nights, proceeds from the door after
expenses will be split 50:50 between IBMA and
co-sponsors for their bands. Showcase bands will
be welcome to sell merch at showcases in all
venues. IBMA will cover the expenses for venue
rental, sound equipment rental, sound and lighting engineers, and door oversight.
Click on the links by the venues below to see
photos of our Bluegrass Ramble venues in
Raleigh.
• Lincoln Theatre
430 S. Dawson Street, capacity 600,
www.lincolntheatre.com
• Longview Center
118 S Person Street, capacity 450 (an older
church), www.unitytriangle.org/aboutunity/weddings-downtown-raleigh
• Tir Na Nog
218 S. Blount Street, capacity 226 (Irish
pub with bar & restaurant),
www.tnnirishpub.com
• Pour House Music Hall
224 S. Blount Street, capacity 360,
www.thepourhousemusichall.com
• Kings
14 W. Martin Street, capacity 260 (upstairs
venue), kingsbarcade.com
• The Architect
108 ½ E. Hargett Street, capacity 200-300
(upstairs venue), www.architectbar.com
• Raleigh Convention Center stage
4th floor ballroom
www.raleighconvention.com/about/facilities/
ballroom
Bluegrass Ramble Showcase co-sponsors
confirmed so far include MerleFest,
Pinecastle Records, Jordan Entertainment,
IBMA Foreign Affairs, SteelBridge Insurance, Mountain Home Records, Class Act
Entertainment, Christmas in the Smokies,
John Boy & Billy, Inc., the Foundation for
Bluegrass Music, Folk Alliance International,
Outer Banks Bluegrass Festival and several
more pending. If your label, association,
event or agency is interested in
co-sponsoring an evening of showcases,
please contact Nancy Cardwell at IBMA.
(615)
256-3222,
888-GET-IBMA,
nancyc@ibma.org.
Venues are all walking distance from the
convention center, and Raleigh’s R-Line
complimentary street cars are also an option
for transportation. We will have maps available on-site at registration in the Raleigh
Convention Center and navigation info on
the WOB smart phone app. IBMA’s Bluegrass Ramble Showcases will be produced
by Ben Surratt and Cindy Baucom.
International Bluegrass 15
Fresh Sounds
Tina Adair Band, Born Bad: Fronted by a force (read: voice) to be reckoned with, Tina Adair Band
comes barreling out of the gate on Born Bad. Full of songs bolstered by confidence and attitude,
TAB display virtuosity and variety, melding traditional, bluesy ‘grass with a soulful, country-rock
style. Tina’s songwriting, singing, and playing are all signature to her talents as a well-rounded
music creator, and her team of high-esteemed musicians is well paired. Key tracks: “Born Bad,”
“Farther Along,” and “Snaker Dan.”
www.tinaadairband.com
Vincent Cross, A Town Called Normal: International roots-oriented musician Vincent Cross
infuses bluegrass with country, blues and folk, and a wealth of solid songwriting in this new album.
Cross’ voice is humble and rings true with fitting emotion in each piece. The songs draw from both
traditional and contemporary influences, maintaining an authenticity throughout. Key tracks: “Walking on the Outside,” “Turn Your Eyes,” and “Sometimes.”
www.vincentcross.com
Rebecca Frazier, When We Fall: With her reputation as one of bluegrass music‘s best female
flatpickers, guitarist, singer, and songwriter Rebecca Fraziers’ new record has been highly anticipated. Frazier dives deep into her own written material, with a little help from her husband, John
who plays mandolin. Frazier’s slick guitar instrumentals shine, while emotional vocals set the tone
for this bright, inventive album from a division of Compass Records. Key Tracks: “Better Than Staying,” “Ain’t Gonna Work Tomorrow,” and “Babe In Arms.” Out May 28.
Compass Records, www.rebeccafrazier.com
Della Mae, This World Oft Can Be: On their Rounder Records debut album, the five females of
Della Mae prove their wicked talent, fresh appeal, and powerful chemistry with This World Oft Can
Be. While honoring tradition, these fine musicians showcase their collective and individual creativity, honing in on their ability to play emotionally potent, smart, and richly textured music. With Bryan
Sutton as producer, this album is poised for the top of the charts. Key tracks: “Empire,” “Turtle
Dove,” and the title track “This World Oft Can Be.” Out May 28.
Rounder Records, www.dellamae.com
John Reischman, Walk Along John: Cultivating a big sound with a small instrument, veteran
mandolinist and Canadian John Reischman displays sharp expertise and passionate know-how on
his first solo instrumental album in 13 years. A melodic craftsman, Reischman proudly wears his
influences on his sleeve, while owning his creativity and imaginative detail. With a mix of traditional
and original tunes, Reischman plays with wit and taste on Walk Along John. Chris Thile and Tony
Trischka play as guests. Key tracks: “Gold Mountain Blues,” “Joe Ahr’s Dream,” and “Little
Maggie.”
Corvus Records, www.johnreischman.com
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International Bluegrass
Don Rigsby, Doctor’s Orders: It’s simple: Don Rigsby has a hero and idol in Ralph Stanley, and
he shows his admiration deeply through his latest record, a tribute to the Doc himself. On his sixth
solo project, Rigsby pays homage to Stanley with 13 covers of Stanley and Stanley Brothers material, with one new song aptly named “The Mountain Doctor.” And yes, Dr. Ralph Stanley humbly
graces the album, along with some former Clinch Mountain Boys including Ricky Skaggs, and
more. Key tracks: “The Daughter of Geronimo,” “Brand New Tennessee Waltz,” and “Six More
Miles.”
Rebel Records, www.donrigsby.com
Peter Rowan, The Old School: One thing is for sure: When you hold a legacy such as Rowan,
you’re bound to produce nothing short of intensely rich, and bar-setting music. Rowan’s latest project is a powerhouse of original works, and a finely tuned ‘O Freedom’ with a bevy of the genre’s
best like Del McCoury, Bobby Osborne, Jesse McReynolds, JD Crowe, Bryan Sutton, Stuart
Duncan, The Travelin’ McCourys, and many more. With vivid imagery and sharp lyricism, The Old
School is the cool school, with plenty left to teach. Key tracks: “Keepin’ it Between the Lines (Old
School),” “Doc Watson Morning,” and “Letter From Beyond.”
Compass Records, www.peter-rowan.com
Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen, On the Edge: IBMA 2012 Emerging Artist of the Year Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen has a hot new dish with On the Edge. The band’s highly-anticipated sophomore
album shows off their undeniable vigor and solid precision. With delicious support from Tim
O’Brien, Rob Icks on resonator guitar, and vocalist Megan McCormick, Frank & Dirty Kitchen show
off skill and serve up fun in an inventive, fresh new grass dish. Key tracks: “M80,” “Gone,” and
“Bedrock.”
Compass Records, www.dirtykitchenband.com
The Boxcars, It’s Just A Road: With rich melodies written by Keith Garrett and Ron Stewart, and
old tunes with a new spin, The Boxcars’ new album features their best work yet. The two-time and
reigning IBMA Instrumental Group of the Year gets down to business, exploring troubles and
triumphs in each song. They aren’t afraid to get a little personal, and no surprises here: show off
their impeccable musicianship. Key tracks: “It’s Just a Road,” “The Devil Held the Gun,” and “Cornelia.”
www.theboxcars.com
2
International Bluegrass
International Bluegrass 17
Bluegrass Music Industry News
May 2013
Chart toppers
Congratulations to Junior Sisk and Ramblers Choice who are at the top of Bluegrass Today’s
Monthly Airplay Chart for April for their latest album The Story of the Day That I Died. The title track
is at number 4 on the Weekly Airplay Chart at press time.
Dailey & Vincent’s new single “Steel Drivin’ Man” has reigned for two weeks at the top of Bluegrass Today’s Weekly Airplay chart. The single is off their new album Brothers of the Highway out
May 7.
On The Bluegrass Unlimited charts, Grass Cats’ “The Mountains, My Baby and Me” is at number
one for April from their album of the same name.
Steven Curtis Chapman’s bluegrass album Deep Roots holds on for the sixth week at number one
on the Billboard Bluegrass Charts.
Congratulations!
Award winners were announced April 13 for the Appalachian Cultural Music Association’s Blue
Ridge Music Uprising. Bluegrass Vocal Group of the Year went to Narrow Road, Bluegrass
Instrumental Group of the Year was awarded to Rich in Tradition, and The VW Boys won for Bluegrass Entertainers of the Year. Congratulations, all!
MerleFest (April 26-28 in Wilkesboro, NC) announced the winners in its prestigious Chris Austin
Songwriting Contest. All winners received prizes and performed onstage Sunday night.
Bluegrass
1st – John Cloyd Miller (Asheville, NC) for “Cloud of Dust”
2nd – Todd Grebe (Nashville, TN) for “Master of My Destiny”
3rd – Aaron Burdett (Saluda, NC) for “Magpie”
Gospel/Inspirational
1st- Melody Walker (San Francisco, CA) for “Black Grace”
2nd – Lorraine Jordan (Garner, NC) for “Judgment Day”
3rd – Kelsi Robertson Harrigill (Murfreesboro, TN) for “Just Any Moment”
Playing On The Planet has landed an exciting new television licensing deal for its original music.
Public Broadcasting Television (PBS) will use “Tennessee Twister,” penned by band member
Lisa Jacobi and performed by the group, for the fall season of its show Roadtrip Nation. This is their
second song licensed to PBS, and adds to original compositions that the band has licensed to a
variety of network television shows and sports broadcasts.
18
International Bluegrass
Sugar Hill has a new marketing team. Jess Draper has joined as Sugar Hill’s Director of Artist &
Media Relations. Megan McNair has been named Sugar Hill’s new Marketing Manager. And joining the company as Marketing Coordinator is Shannon Koleen Blauer.
Artists and band news
Vocalist and guitarist Dustin Pyrtle is the newest member of Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver. Pyrtle
stepped in for Michael Roberts who has chosen to pursue country music. Pyrtle previously played
for Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out.
David Carroll is the new banjo picker for the Darrell Webb Band. Carroll joins Jeremy Arrowood
on bass, Jared Hensley on guitar, Jake Joines on reso-guitar, and Webb on mandolin and lead
vocals. The band are in the studio recording for their latest project.
Mandolinist Joe Walsh announced he is splitting with The Gibson Brothers to pursue other
opportunities. The change comes during a busy time for the band who are on tour promoting their
newest album. Walsh has a new CD project with Darol Anger, Courtney Hartman, Lukas Pool
and Shannon Gilchrist that will be released in the near future.
Adam Pye has joined The Spinney Brothers as their new bassist, replacing long-time member
Darryl Hebb, who has left to pursue other opportunities. Pye hails from Halifax, Nova Scotia. The
Spinney Brothers have a new album out May 7th called No Borders.
New music announcements
Head for the Hills announced their newest album, Blue Ruin will be out July 9. Head for the Hills
is Adam Kinghorn on guitar, Michael Chappell on mandolin, Joe Lessard on fiddle, and Matt
Loewen
bass.
More
information
can
be
found
about
Blue
Ruin
at
www.HeadForTheHillsMusic.com/blueruin.
The Roys will release their latest album Gypsy Runaway Train June 4. This is the third album for
the pair with their label Rebel Records. Programmers can catch their new single "Gypsy Runaway
Train" through AirPlay Direct and Soundcloud.
Jeff Scroggins and Colorado have a new album Western Branches coming out soon. The album
features 12 original, traditional and cover songs, and produced by Sally Van Meter. Keep up on the
latest announcements regarding the album on their website: www.jeffscrogginsandcolorado.com.
GearTrack celebrated its official launch in April and announced the recovery of two valuable stolen
mandolins owned by Vancouver, WA musicians Rocky and Deb Blakewood. The instruments
went home to their rightful owners as a result of their listing on the online registry.
Out on bookshelves
Edited by Fred Bartenstein, Bluegrass Bluesman: Josh Graves, A Memoir profiles the music
and life of the father of bluegrass Dobro. Drawing from interviews conducted by Barry Willis and
Mike Dow, Bobby G. Wolfe, Stacy Phillips and Betty Wheeler, the new book makes the case for
Graves as the missing link between bluegrass music and the blues – with some great stories along
the way. Neil Rosenberg wrote the forward, and the book was published by University of Illinois
Press. Any fan of bluegrass music – particularly Flatt & Scruggs fans, aficionados of the resonator
guitar, and of course musicians and fans who were mentored and inspired by Josh – will enjoy this
one. www.press.uillinois.edu.
International Bluegrass 19
In Remembrance
IBMA member, banjo picker and mandolinist Dr. Bob Mavian passed away Saturday, April 20 in
surrounded by his family. He was best known as Gibson Case of The Case Brothers.
Country Music Hall of Famer, Grand Ole Opry member, and music legend George Jones
passed away in Nashville on April 26. His one-of-a-kind Texas drawl, heart-breaking ballads, and
rebel lifestyle influenced many over the years, and he will always be held in the highest esteem
as one of the greatest voices of all time. The public are welcome to his memorial at The Grand
Ol’ Opry on Thursday, May 2.
Bluegrass singer and guitarist William Forrest "Bill" Lowe of West Union, SC passed away on
Sunday, April 28, 2013. Bill was recognized as a pioneer of bluegrass by the International Bluegrass Hall of Fame in 2012 in Owensboro, KY.
Heard ‘Round the World
The European World of Bluegrass Festival will take place in Voorthuizen, Holland May 9-11.
The event is in its 11th year and has been recognized by Bluegrass Event of the Year by IBMA,
the only event in Europe so far to do so. Fans can see acts from all over Europe and abroad; the
event also features workshops, a trade show, and awards. Click here for more information.
The Sons of Navarone have new guitar player: Yves Aerts. After just two years with The Sons,
Jef Van Peer decided to leave the band because of his heavy schedule. Aerts also plays with
Rocks & Ivy, and previously fronted Blue Cartel.
The Earl Brackin Band has been invited to play in Sochi, Russia during the 2014 Winter Olympics. In February 2014, The Earl Brackin Band will tour Russia during the Winter Olympic
games as performing members of the Engage Sochi project. The band will start in Moscow with
a concert then spend 4 days playing in Sochi, the site of the winter games. They are trying to
raise the funds to get the band there, feed and house them. Help them get there by clicking and
contributing here.
The 31st Big Bear Festival will take place Monday, May 20 in Zuidlaren, Netherlands. Junior
Sisk & Rambler’s Choice will headline, along with Rocks & Ivy, Janis McCoury & the Wall of
Sound, and more. Click here for more information.
Bluegrass bands from outside the US wanted onstage in Raleigh:
We are looking for bluegrass bands that plan to be in Raleigh for this year's World of Bluegrass.
IBMA's International Committee, together with the EBMA and Nechville Instruments, will host
a number of “Foreign Affairs” showcases, and would like to show the Americans that there is
bluegrass music all over the world.
These showcase programs will probably be held in a venue in Raleigh, close to the Convention
Center, late at night on Thursday, Friday and possibly Saturday, when the Award Show and the
official Wide Open Bluegrass programs are over. Please email Rienk Janssen at:
Rienk.janssen@planet.nl
20
International Bluegrass
International Bluegrass Music Association
Join the team
working together for the future of bluegrass music.
www.ibma.org
f t
w
International Bluegrass 21
working together
We need YOU on the team
for the future of bluegrass music.
Join IBMA today!
What You Get...
- Discounts to IBMA’s World of Bluegrass events
- Access to special discounted insurance programs for health,
event liability & instruments
- Privilege of voting on IBMA Awards (professional members)
- Access to database lists, market research & membership contact
info, for marketing your music, event, service or merchandise.
- Showcasing & Networking Opportunities.
- And Much More…
Your Membership Helps Support...
- Bluegrass Trust Fund - helping bluegrass community members
in times of need
- Seminars, Webinars, & White Papers on critical industry topics
- Leadership Bluegrass program – leadership training, new industry trends & networking
- World of Bluegrass Business Conference, IBMA Awards, and
Wide Open Bluegrass Festival
- BluegrassNation.org - an online gathering place for fans, artists,
events, merchandisers & associations
- Advancement of bluegrass in the music industry and beyond
- Staff assistance with projects, programs, networking &
mentoring
IBMA exists to support all those who work with and care about
bluegrass music - working full time, part time, as volunteers, or
part of our most awesome fan community.
Visit IBMA.org or call 888-GET-IBMA for more details
Contact Information
Name _______________________________________________
Address _____________________________________________
City, State, Zip ________________________________________
Country _____________________________________________
Phone _______________________________________________
Email, Website ________________________________________
Professional Membership
____ Organizational Membership: $205
____ Individual Membership: $75
____ Lifetime Individual: $1000
____ Lifetime Organizational: $2500
Membership Types
For any of the above membership types, please choose your
primary area of business (circle one): artist, composer, artist support services, publisher, merchandiser, luthier, journalist, educator,
agent, manager, publicist, association, radio broadcaster, webcaster, electronic media, record label, recording services, recording distribution, event producer, event tech services, television,
photographer
____ Grass Roots Membership: $40
____ Youth Membership: $15
____ College Bluegrass Program Membership: Free for 1st year
____ Friends: $25
Payment may be made by: Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover
Card Number _________________________________________
Expiration Date _________________ CVV # ________________
Card Holder Name _____________________________________
Billing Address ________________________________________
City, State, Zip ________________________________________
TO JOIN NOW, call 1-888-GET-IBMA,
go to www.ibma.org, mail this card to:
IBMA, 608 W. Iris Drive, Nashville, TN 37204.
IB
International Bluegrass
Vol. 28, No. 5
May 2013